Justices reverse, remand for new trial in theft case
Indiana Supreme Court justices on Friday reversed a $350,000 verdict and attorney fee award for a Monroe County woman, remanding the case for a new trial on her theft claims.
Courts
Articles
In 1st impression case, COA says officers must explain training to get warrants based on drug odors
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed the denial of a motion to suppress drug-related evidence found during a search of a Greene County man’s home. The appellate court ruled on an issue of first impression that probable cause for a search warrant cannot be based only on an officer’s detection of the smell of marijuana without additional information about the officer’s training.
February bar to be remote, last to include Indiana essay questions
Indiana will again be administering its bar exam remotely in February but, unlike the test given during the summer, this time the exam will be two-days and applicants will not be allowed to consult any outside materials.
Indiana teen convicted of murder committed when he was 13
A teenager who was 13 when accused of killing an 18-year-old in northern Indiana has been convicted of murder.
US inmate scheduled to be executed tests positive for virus
A federal prisoner scheduled to be executed just days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office has tested positive for coronavirus, his lawyer said Thursday.
Longtime Marion County jurist Shook takes senior status
The Indiana Supreme Court on Monday certified retiring Marion Superior Court Magistrate Judge Deborah Jean Shook as a senior judge for 2021, beginning Jan. 1.
COA affirms commitment for woman with anorexia
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed the commitment of a woman diagnosed with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, finding sufficient evidence that she was both mentally ill and gravely disabled.
Feds seek 15-month prison term for former Whiting mayor
Federal prosecutors are recommending a 15-month prison sentence for the former mayor of Whiting, who pleaded guilty to fraud and a tax crime.
Justices order review of Colorado, New Jersey worship limits
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered lower federal courts in Colorado and New Jersey to reexamine state restrictions on indoor religious services to combat the coronavirus in light of the justices’ recent ruling in favor of churches and synagogues in New York.
Obama-era DACA program faces new court challenge
A federal court next week is expected to consider whether to invalidate a program that shields from deportation immigrants brought to the United States as children, potentially creating complications for the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden.
Men convicted in 70s-themed armed robberies lose resentencing appeal
Two men who committed a string of armed robberies in 2015 while donning 1970s-themed disguises could not convince the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that their new sentences should be reversed.
7th Circuit vacates judgment, dismisses HOA debt dispute
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has tossed a dispute over unpaid homeowners’ association fees, finding that a letter sent to a couple who owed thousands to their HOA did not cause them any concrete harm.
Justices split in Bloomington’s favor in annexation dispute with Holcomb
A divided Indiana Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled in favor of the city of Bloomington, upholding a ruling against the Indiana governor and striking down “special legislation” targeting the city’s annexation efforts. Dissenting justices, however, warned that the majority’s holding “erodes separation of powers.”
Electoral College makes it official: Biden won, Trump lost
The Electoral College has confirmed Joe Biden as the nation’s next president, ratifying his November victory over President Donald Trump.
Supreme Court won’t revive Kansas voter registration ID law
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal from Kansas that sought to revive a law requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. A federal appeals court had declared the law unconstitutional.
Justices suspend jury trials until March as pandemic continues
The Indiana Supreme Court has taken the “drastic” step of suspending all jury trials in Indiana until March 2021 as Indiana continues to report high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases.
Senate prepares to vote on Kirsch nomination to 7th Circuit
Thomas Kirsch, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, will likely get one step closer to joining the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals today with the U.S. Senate scheduled to vote on the cloture motion for his nomination at 5:30 p.m.
Ruling for homeowner in Indianapolis code-enforcement case reversed
A court ruling in favor of a Lawrence homeowner who was investigated after reports that he was building a deck and an above-ground pool without city permits was reversed Monday. The Indiana Court of Appeals found judgment in the property owner’s favor was clearly erroneous.
Violent offender’s appeal seeking COVID-19 release ‘misplaced’
Despite a convicted man’s claims of compromised health that raised his risk of contracting the novel coronavirus behind bars, the Indiana Court of Appeals determined Monday he wasn’t the sort of offender the Indiana Supreme Court had in mind when it urged courts earlier this year to consider release of detainees who posed little risk.
Negligence suit against Carmel assisted living facility reinstated on appeal
A negligence suit against a Carmel assisted living facility in which a resident was seriously injured when a buffet table fell, knocking her to the ground, was reinstated after a Hamilton County court ruled in favor of the assisted living facility.